Most of the well known highway removals in America have come on the heels of unpredictable collapses, brought on either by structural issues or natural disasters. Though the causes have often been catastrophic, the after effects have generally been positive according to many economists and city planners.

Several cities are now pursuing highway removals more intentionally, as a way to reclaim city space for housing, parks, and boost economic development. In 2008, the Congress for the New Urbanism, listed ten “Freeways Without Futures,” which recognizes the top locations in North America where the opportunity is greatest to stimulate urban revitalization.

In this video, you'll hear about the benefits of tearing down the Alaskan Way Viaduct in Seattle, the Sheridan Expressway in the Bronx, the Skyway and Route 5 in Buffalo, and the Claiborne Expressway in New Orleans.